“Permanent Vacation”
Back to School
I jerk upright and wildly look around. I take deep breaths and try to slow my racing heart upon confirming that I am indeed still in my room. I shiver soon after I calm down and can feel the beads of sweat still clinging to my body. I glance at the clock, seeing that it's only a little after three in the morning. I sigh and rub my face, kicking the covers off and crawling out of bed. No way am I going back to sleep now. I shudder as images flash in my head.
“Hey, you're finally awake.”
“Yeah... Yeah. Does it look like I wanna be though?”
“After what I just saw, no. But better that you're up instead of dealing with—”
“You saw that?”
“Still watching it, as a matter of fact.”
“Then why didn't you stop it?” I sigh. “You know what, never mind.”
“You know, you really should talk with somebody about—”
“No!” I take a deep breath. “I mean, no. I'll deal with it myself. It's my problem, my issue.”
I can hear a sigh. “Fine. But I do think you're overreacting. Follow your own advice for once and talk about it.”
I call upon my magic to create a floating ball of dim light. With it, I creep through the house towards the kitchen. I dispel the floating ball once I turn on the kitchen lights. I go through the routine of starting a pot of coffee. If it's gonna be one of those days, may as well start it on a light roasted, heavy caffeine kick. Just as I go to sit down at the table, there's a light knocking on the front door. Really, someone at this hour?
I head towards the door and slowly open it, peeking out at whoever it is. I smile and open the door even wider. “Weird hour to visit at, but considering it's you, I shouldn't be surprised.”
“Blake, are thou alright?”
I pause, but ultimately nod my head. “Course I am. Do you know something I don't?” I shake my head. “Why don't you come inside, Luna? Just keep your voice down. I don't wanna wake Scootaloo.” She steps inside and I shut the door behind her. She follows me into the kitchen afterwards. I see there's enough in the coffee pot at this point for a cup or two. “Coffee?”
“Yes, please.”
I grab two cups and pour what I can into both, giving Luna's a bit more than mine. I motion for her to sit down while I do the same. “Now then,” I blow into the coffee a few times before taking a sip, “What's going on, Luna?”
She places both hands on her cup and eyes me. “I came to check on you.” She takes a generous gulp of her coffee. I mentally raise an eyebrow. Guess scalding temps mean nothing to alicorns? “As you know, I monitor the realm of dreams, ensuring all of our subjects can sleep peacefully throughout the night.”
I keep the frown from showing on my face. “And since my dreamscape wasn't found, you decided to check on me? Luna, I'm honored, but people sometimes have trouble sleeping. It happens.”
She sighs. “Blake, it's not that we couldn't find your dream. It's that I couldn't access it.”
I raise an eyebrow. “How's that possible?”
“I do not know, and I doubt my sister does either. But if I were to question it further, I'd say something was actively keeping me out, thwarting every attempt I made to breach it.”
I nod my head and drink some more of my coffee. “But how would you even know if anything was amiss?”
Her horn glows as two small clouds form and hover over the table. “These are normally what dreamscapes are visualized as to ponies such as I. These two, of both your pet and Scootaloo, are having normal dreams as we speak.”
“They look like normal clouds, something that you'd normally see any day of the week.”
She nods her head as another cloud forms in between the two. My eyebrows raise as it forms. This one is pitch black as something flashes within, putrid greens and browns running along it's exterior as the occasional tornado forms on it's surface before being sucked into the cloud. “And here is a nightmare.”
“That looks sickly and diseased. I'm honestly nauseous looking at it.”
“Blake.” The cloud floats towards me. “This is yours. Tis one of the strongest I've seen since my return.”
I eye the cloud. “How can you tell? There's nothing identifying on it.”
“Tis something that only an experienced dreamwalker can tell. Believe me when we say that this is your dreamscape from a short while ago.”
So Luna couldn't show up to stop my nightmare because something was actively keeping her out. I suppress shuddering. I couldn't be doing that, could I? I doubt my mental fortitude is strong enough to combat Luna, but still...
The illusions disappear as Luna sighs and leans forward. “Blake...”
I close my eyes and sigh. “Luna, I know what you're gonna say. I'm sorry, but this is something I gotta deal with myself. Nobody but me would get it.” I open my eyes to see Luna floating the coffee pot over and pouring herself another cup.
She leans back in her chair and stares at me as the coffee pot floats back towards the coffee maker. I don't take my eyes off her as I raise my cup and take a sip from it. Eventually, she gives a small smile and nods her head. “You will always have somepony to talk to, Blake. And I shall always be around to listen.”
I mentally raise an eyebrow, but ignore it and return her smile. “Thank you.”
We sit in silence for a while before Luna speaks up. “What do you intend to do to pass the time before sister raises the sun? Surely not sitting here.”
I sigh and lean back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. “Honestly, I got no clue. Who really plans to do something at three in the morning?” As I take a sip of coffee, I realize there actually is something I can do. “Actually, Luna, are you able to stick around for a while? I have a little... Side project I could use your help on.”
“While my duties to the night normally draw me away, our subjects dreams were unperturbed, allowing us to enjoy the night as we please.”
I raise an eyebrow. “That's a fancy way of saying yes.”
She smirks. “A princess must maintain some level of decorum.”
I roll my eyes and smirk. “Uh huh, of course she must.”
She chuckles and sets her empty cup on the table. “Now then, what is this project that only I can assist with?”
I set my cup on the table. “Something that could benefit the both of us, or anyone else in service to you.”
She smiles. “I'm intriguted.”
“Ugh, just what is so important that you had to drag Trixie away from her enraptured students and all important school?”
I roll my eyes. “Trixie, I promise this won't take long.” I turn to the other pony in my living room. “And you're not gonna be behind on your deliveries?”
Derpy shakes her head. “Nope. As long as all the mail is delivered by the end of the day, my boss won't care.”
I had to pull Derpy away from her job, hence her sitting in my living room dressed in her work attire consisting of brown pants, a white undershirt with a brown vest, and a ballcap with an icon of an envelope on the front. I can't help internally smiling at the sight. Even with the drab uniform, Derpy looks actually cute dressed like that. I especially dig the ponytail her hair is in.
I shake my head to clear my thoughts. Focus on the thing at hand. “Good.” I turn back to Trixie. “First, I talked it over with the band, and we're willing to perform at your amphitheater soon.”
Trixie smirks. “The usage of my amphitheater isn't free, you know. Hopefully you remember my request?”
I roll my eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I'll guest lecture for a class.”
“Hmm... Trixie is not sure one lecture is sufficient enough...”
“Fine, I'll do ya one better. I'll even provide homework requiring the students to visit the concert to actually complete it. Which means I'll need to show up for another lecture to grade and go over it.”
“Trixie finds this acceptable. When can the students expect this?”
“Sooner the better, so how about this coming Friday? It'll give the students the weekend to complete the assignment.”
“I shall announce it to everypony as soon as I get back.”
I clap my hands. “Excellent. Now, onto the other reason I called you both here.” I reach into my back left pocket and pull out a rough cut sapphire, holding it out towards Derpy. “Hold this for a sec while I go get the rest of my supplies, please.”
“Sure.” She takes it from my hand, inspecting it from multiple angles while I head back towards my bedroom.
“A sapphire? This is why Trixie has to stick around longer?”
“He said there's more Trixie, so be patient. Please?”
I shut my bedroom door and grab another sapphire off my desk, leaving only one left. There's a slight tingle as I hold it in my hand. I take a deep breath and let it out. Time to see if this project was a success. I focus on a mental image of Derpy as the sapphire gently vibrates in my hand. “Derpy, can you hear me?” Even with the door closed, I hear a yelp.
“Trixie, did you hear that?”
“No? Should Trixie have?”
“I could have sworn—”
“The sapphire, Derpy. Hold it, and focus on your mental image of me. Then think the words. Pretend you're saying it in your head. Like you're voicing your thoughts.”
All is quiet and I fear my experiment was a partial success. “Like this? Am I doing it right?” I grin as I hear Derpy's response back. Success!
“That would be a resounding yes! Hang on, I'll be right out.”
I grab a third sapphire and head back into the living room. “Trixie, here's one for you.”
She holds it up to eye level and squints at it. “Trixie can tell there's some sort of enchantment on this...”
“Derpy, focus on Trixie and contact her.”
Trixie snaps her head towards Derpy. “What did you say?”
“Trixie.” Her head snaps to me. “Hold the sapphire, focus on a mental picture of Derpy or me, then think whatever you want to say.”
Her mouth open and closes a couple of times before she sighs. “Trixie has several questions.”
I grin. “In due time. Two more tests.” I focus on Derpy and Trixie. “Can you both hear me?”
“Trixie just heard you seconds ago!”
“Yep. Still can hear you.”
“Excellent. Now, focus on each of us at the same time. We should be able to hear each other.”
“If you both can hear me, Trixie demands an explanation!”
“I'm with Trixie, what's all this about?”
“You'll both get your answers. But only if you don't demand it, Trixie.”
“Ugh. Fine, Trixie is politely asking for answers.”
I hear a giggle. “That's better, Trixie.”
I smile. “One more test. Luna, can you hear us?”
“Indeed I can. I take it the tests are successful?”
“Trixie still wants answers!”
“Trixie, shush!”
I hear Luna chuckle. “Tis quite alright, Miss Hooves. And you shall have your answers, Miss Lulamoon.”
“Alright. Tests successful. Now, your long awaited answers. This is version one of our communication network, a way for us to communicate and contact each other without having to be physically in the same location. Each sapphire is connected to each of the others, allowing long distance communication as long as we hold the sapphire, as evidenced by Luna all the way in Canterlot.”
“Question!”
“You wanted answers, I'm giving them, and now you have questions?”
“It's an important question! Suppose somepony of less than noble intentions manages to get their hands on this.”
“I was getting to that. Each sapphire has been enchanted to only respond to your magical signature. To anyone other than you, it's just a normal sapphire.”
“It's not entirely secure and has some flaws, but still better than having no security.”
Trixie nods her head. “No further questions.”
Derpy turns the sapphire over in her hand. “What made you come up with this?”
“I observed some guards using a telepathic link to speak to each other, and eventually came to the realization that I should see if I can make something that not only uses said link, but improves upon it, and doesn't require a caster. And thanks to Luna, you're each holding version one.”
“Implying there's more?”
“Thought you said no further questions?”
“Trixie is allowed to have more.”
I roll my eyes. “I fully intend to improve upon this design, adding more features and abilities. What they are, I do not know. I'll figure that out when the time comes. Anymore questions?”
“Trixie is now satisfied.”
“Still gonna take some getting used to hearing your voices in my head, but this should prove useful.”
“Now, if I may use these in their first official usage, my sister and I are requesting your presence in Canterlot two weeks from today. Bring anything you absolutely need for a week in the castle. The crown will provide everything else.”
“But Trixie's school...”
“Ah, yes. Your school, Miss Lulamoon. Have you found a suitable assistant yet?”
“Trixie is still looking.”
“I shall be sending along somepony tomorrow that you should find most suited for your needs. Teach them the mechanics of your school before you must come to Canterlot.”
“Trixie thanks you, your majesty.”
“There is no need. I am simply providing for my subjects. I must now bid you a good day, and a wonderful night.”
I pocket my sapphire. “Alright, I think that's enough of a test. I'm happy it worked as expected.”
“Trixie still does not see the need for it, but whatever. But do you expect Trixie to always hold this in case somepony must reach her?”
I open my mouth, but pause as the realization hits. I groan and rub my forehead. “How could I forget that...”
“Forget what?”
“I wanted to add a feature to store and replay messages from anyone in case you're unavailable.”
“Do you want the sapphires back?”
I shake my head. “No, I'll collect them later once I work out the spell matrix and how to incorporate it. I'm gonna need Luna's help anyway.”
“You're welcome, by the way.”
I roll my eyes. “Yes, Trixie, thank you. Anyway, what do you think the princesses want with us?”
“Maybe they're finally recognizing our glorious rescue and commissioning great and powerful statues of yours truly... I mean, us.”
I raise an eyebrow. “But we're gonna be there for week.”
“Trixie is a magician, not a sculptor. Statues could take a week to be built.”
I roll my eyes. “You got any ideas, Derpy?”
She shrugs her shoulders. “It's gotta be something important enough for both princesses to be present. Maybe it is an award ceremony.”
I rub my chin. “It is a possibility.” I shake my head. “But I guess we won't find out till we actually get there.”
Derpy eyes her sapphire. “So, what do we call this?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, we can't keep calling it sapphire, right? We should give it a name.”
I rub my chin. “Ya know, I never considered a name for it. We really should figure one out later, but it's not a priority right now.”
“Oh, is it that time already? I should be getting back to my rounds. See you two later!” Derpy waves as she walks out of sight, followed by the sound of the front door shutting.
“And Trixie simply must get back to her school. After all, I have an assistant personally sent by a princess to prepare for.” She pokes my chest. “And don't you forget, you will be lecturing this Friday.”
I grab her hat and pull it down, so it covers her eyes. “And don't you forget, it's two lectures for one performance. Don't force me to make you Pinkie Promise it.”
She hmph's and readjusts her hat. “Trixie shall not go back on her word, especially to family.” Her horn glows and she teleports away with a pop.
I idly glance around. Not much else pressing to take care of around here, and I'm alone for now...
“You thinking what I'm thinking?”
“Absolutely not. I got me a gym membership, and I intend to use it.”
I watch as ponies work on setting up the various pieces of equipment needed for our show in Trixie's amphitheater. I shake my head and take another sip of coffee from a thermos.
“Something up? Don't tell me you're getting cold hooves now.”
“Nah, I won't back away from this, Vinyl. We've all worked hard to promote this, and I wouldn't want to waste the time and resources of everyone. It's just... Do I really look like teacher material to you?”
She laughs. “Not in the slightest.”
“So then why did I agree to teach a class again?” She shrugs her shoulders. “I mean, what do I even say, or do? I'm not cut out for this. I don't even know if I brought the right things I'd even need.” My shoulder bag and guitar feel like they get a little heavier as I say this.
She pats my shoulder. “Course you're cut out for this. Sure, you may not look the part, or act it, or sound like it—”
I raise an eyebrow. “Is there a point to this?”
“There is if you shut up. Look, you said it best a while ago. You're different. You bring your own brand, knowledge, and style to the party. And ponies wanna see that! They wanna see and hear you! Not another bland and boring teach reading a script. You're a certified musician that's actually out on stage! How many of those professors can say that?”
I chuckle. “You know, I'm pretty sure I needed to hear that. Thanks.”
She rubs her knuckles on her chest. “Eh, no need. Just looking out for my stars. What kind of manager would I be if I didn't?”'
“A lousy and uncaring one?” I check the time. “I got thirty minutes till I gotta start. Better get going.”
“Hey, make sure to impart some glorious wisdom to those eager minds, oh wise one.”
I chuckle and shake my head as I walk away towards Trixie's school. Vinyl is right though. If the students didn't want to learn from me, Trixe would have.... Correction, should have called the entire thing off. And from what she's been telling me, that isn't the case. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous still, but, a part of me can't help feeling excited at the prospect of teaching! ...Even if I don't know the first thing to talk about.
I glance up from my musings to see the school. Climbing the steps, I push open one side of a double door. I glance to my left at a directory. Let's see... Headmare's office, far end of the first floor on the right.
As I wander down the hall, I pass by a couple of the students who are quick to try and ask me things. I politely have to turn them away, promising that after my lesson I'll gladly answer anything for them. Or better yet, just come to the lesson. As I head towards Trixie's office, I take in the vibrant landscape of decorated lockers and murals. There doesn't seem to be any general theme to it, just a weird symphony of personal preference everywhere you look.
One locker does catch my eyes, and I can't help by smirk. It's a locker with the initials for the Rejects running down it, and what looks like hand painted artwork of our albums on it. I can't help myself, I pull out a marker I brought along and find an empty space to write 'Got my eye on you. Blake.'. I'm sure that'll make someone's day.
I finally get to Trixie's office door and knock. “Come in.” Well, that doesn't sound like Trixie., unless she suddenly became a dude. I open the door and step in. Realization hits as I take in what must obviously be Trixie's assistant sitting behind a desk. I don't even get to close the door before the stallion is around the desk and eagerly shaking my hand. “Hi! I'm Quill! It's an honor to meet you! When the headmare said you'd be coming, I'd figured it was a sort of hazing ritual, but here you are in the actual flesh!”
I blink and kick the door closed with a foot. “Right, uh... I'd introduce myself but it seems like you already know me.”
“Who doesn't know you? You're still one of the most famous artists out right now.”
I chuckle. “Glad to hear I'm still relevant in the public eyes.”
“Of course! Oh, my wife is not going to believe this! We're huge fans if you couldn't tell. Could I get you to—” A door slams open behind Quill. He jumps, letting go of my hand to spin around and face whoever opened it.
Trixie points a finger at Quill. “What did I say about jumping the talent when they arrive?”
“But I—”
I pat Quill on the shoulder. “Come on, Trixie, give him a break. It's not everyday you get to meet someone famous.”
“Yes he does! Trixie see's him every morning!”
“Okay, I'll rephrase. It's not everyday he gets to meet a famous musician.”
Trixie opens her mouth, but closes as she crosses her arms and huffs. I can't quite hear whatever she mumbles under her breath. “Fine, get it out of your system now, Quill. But this better be the last time!”
He bows. “Yes, headmare.” He glances at me. “One moment, please.” He runs over to his desk and rummages in a drawer. “I brought these in on the off chance it wasn't a hoax, but...” He pulls out all our albums, “Could you sign these?”
I smile and pull out the marker. “Toss 'em here.” He rushes over and presents them to me. I scribble my signature on each of them.
“Do you think I—”
“See us after the show if you want everyone else.” I cap the marker and place it back in my pocket.
“Thank you!”
Trixie steps forward and places her hands on my shoulders, pushing me towards the door. “Yes, yes, you're very grateful, Quill. Now please get back to work. There's tickets to hand out and Trixie needs the list of the students. Please have it ready for me by the time I get back.”
“Of course, headmare.”
Trixie manages to push me out of the room, not that I'm resisting, and shuts the door behind her. She sighs. “Come, I have a room already set aside for you.” She turns and starts walking off.
I fall in step beside her. “So, Quill... How's he working out for you?”
She smiles. “Wonderful. Things have been much better since he started. Trixie is finally catching up on her needed sleep.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You haven't been sleeping? You don't look like somebody with sleep deprivation.”
“You're one to talk.”
“Hey, it's not my fault sleep hasn't been coming easy to me.”
She laughs. “Then that just speaks for Trixie's acting abilities!”
I roll my eyes, but nevertheless laugh. After she's done, I motion towards a painting on my left. “So, what's with all the... Design choices around here?”
She stops and smiles. “Ah, so you've noticed Trixie's brilliant decisions.”
I eye everything around me. “Yeah, pretty sure Pinkie on a sugar bender is subtler than this.”
Trixie shudders. “Never wanna see that...”
“Likewise. But your brilliant decision?”
“Yes! Trixie made the decision to let the students design the entire hallways and their lockers however they choose. After all, every good artist needs a canvas to create with. Trixie can't perform if the stage isn't up to her standards after all.”
“And the classrooms?”
“Off limits unless explicitly approved and supervised by the faculty. Too much distraction, and nopony will focus on what you need them to see.”
I smirk. “Seems like your knowledge is translating well to a school environment.”
“Naturally. Trixie is gifted with many talents. Now then, we've wasted enough time as is.”
She resumes walking down the hall, and I stumble a bit to catch back up to her. After some time, she stops outside a door that has a name written on it that I don't have time to read before she opens it and motions me inside. It's a pretty standard professors office by the look of things. There's a windowed door at the far end of the left wall that allows me to see into a large classroom. And just from my tiny view into it, it looks packed. “How many students are in there, exactly?”
Trixie shrugs her shoulders. “I dunno. Never bothered to count. Quill has the list, remember?” She raises an eyebrow. “I never pictured you'd get nervous.”
“I'm not nervous. Just curious how many students wanted to hear my wisdom.”
“Fine. But if you need anything,” She holds up the sapphire. “I'll be on standby.”
I chuckle. “And you said you didn't see the point of them.”
She rolls her eyes. “I don't, but even I can't deny the potential practicality of them. Think of all the uses for it that I could incorporate into my performances!”
I raise an eyebrow. “And what about a way to talk to family and friends without leaving the house?”
“Well, yes, that too. Regardless, I will be around if you need me. Just wait here till they're ready for you. Say and do whatever you want till your time is up. The professor will let you know when that is. Okay?” I nod my head. “Perfect. Now, I must attend to my school. Go give them a lesson they'll never forget.” With that, she leaves the office and shuts the door behind her.
I look down at my thermos and idly swirl the coffee instead. I can't help shake the feeling that I'm gonna screw this up... But Vinyl and Trixie believe I can do this, else they would have talked me out of this. At least I hope they would have... Jeez, look have nervous I'm getting over this. I had no damn trouble talking to school kids. I'll be fine talking to a room of college students... Right?
“Sir?” I look up at a mare wearing a gray blouse and black dress pants peeking into the room. “We're ready for you.”
I smile. “Excellent.” She opens the door and steps aside as I walk into the classroom proper to cheers. I'm taking a couple of bows for everyone when a tap on my shoulder draws my attention back to the professor. She jerks her head towards a desk seated in front of a giant blackboard. I nod my head and walk over.
I set my shoulder bag down and prop my guitar on the desk as the professor moves a few papers off to the side so I have a reasonable workspace. I nod my thanks to her, my only response being a silent nod from her before she takes a seat at the corner of the room. The noise steadily dies down to the point where one can hear themselves think till all is quiet. “For those of you who don't know, my name is Blake Quinter, lead singer of the All-Equestrian Rejects. But you likely wouldn't be here if you didn't know that.”
“I love you!”
I chuckle. “And I love our fans. Now, before we begin class proper and I forget, I'm looking for the owner of a certain locker that I've taken an interest in. It's got something on it directly related to me.” I see a mare thrust her hand into the air. “You're the owner? Alright, stand up and tell me what's on your locker.”
A mare stands up and fiddles with a strand of her teal hair. “The initials AER, which stands for the name of the band, and artwork of your album covers I painted.”
I raise an eyebrow. “And what proof do you have?”
Her eyes go wide and dart around the room. “I... Um... I... There's....” I'm just about to write her off as faking it when she takes a deep breath, clenches her fists, and closes her eyes. “I have a framed picture of Big Mac on the inside back wall with a heart around his face!”
There's mixed reactions from the class, mostly laughter, but she gave me something concrete I can work with. I wait for order to return before speaking. “Took guts to say that, and I can respect that. We'll see if that's the truth after class. Your name?”
“Li- Lilac Brush.”
“Then stick around after the lesson, Lilac.” I go to take another swig of coffee and end up finishing off the rest. “Excuse me, professor...”
“Wind Song.”
“Could you please go get me some more coffee?
She stands up and walks over to grab the thermos out of my hand. “Cream and sugar?”
I shake my head. “Black.”
She nods her head and leaves the room. Now, back to the expectant eyes judging my every move.... “Now then, you're all here because you wish to learn something from me. Well, I'm gonna be outright telling you, I've got no idea where to even begin. But... If I had to pick somewhere to begin, I'd start with how anyone can use music to convey a message, to tell a story, to just yell onto the world what you're feeling or how you want to feel. And we'll do that by examining some pieces.” I spend time going over some choice pieces, occasionally performing some of the lines and opening discussions with the class.
As I'm writing more lyrics on the blackboard, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I glance to see Wind Song standing there. “While the class is enjoying themselves, and I'm sure you are too, I'm afraid we're running out of time.”
I pause. Huh... I doesn't seem like I've been here long enough for me to run out of time... Oh well. “Class, Wind Song has just informed me that my time is almost up.” There's groans and protest from most, though a few seem relieved. “Now, before you all leave, let's talk about your assignment. Tonight, there will be a show by us that you all will be getting tickets for, handed out by your headmare. At the show, you all must listen to the lyrics and write down whatever meaning you can gleam from the songs. A relatively simple assignment for you all, no? Regardless, enjoy yourselves tonight. Class dismissed.”
Most of the class files out of the room, though a few are trying to get stuff signed by me, which I happily do. It takes Wind Song a bit to usher out the remaining stragglers, but she does so with ease. I slump down into her chair and just breathe. “Well, you seemed to handle yourself well enough.”
I chuckle. “For winging it, I suppose that's a great compliment.”
“Um... Sir?”
“Hmm?” I look over at the mare from before, the one from when I was looking for the locker owner. “Lilac, right?”
“Yes... You wanted me to stick around?”
I nod my head. “Please, take me to your locker. Prove what you said was true.”
“I'm... I'm not in any trouble am I? Did I do something wrong?”
I shake my head and stand up. “No. Far from it actually. Just show me to your locker.”
She nods her head and starts walking towards the exit, constantly glancing over her shoulder at me.
“See you in a few days again, Wind Song.”
She smiles. “I'll make sure to have coffee waiting.”
I chuckle as I follow after Lilac. I keep pace with her as we walk through the halls, though her focus is more on the floor. She occasionally glances at me but her focus goes right back to the floor when I try to look at her. As we walk, I do have to turn away more than a few students.
Lilac does indeed eventually stop in front the locker I wrote on. Her eyes seem to widen as she takes note of what I wrote. “D-D-Did you...”
I nod my head. “Indeed I did. But still gotta prove it's yours. Let me see that picture.”
Her hands fumble with grabbing her lock and turning the dial, but there's eventually a click as she opens the locker door. She audibly gulps. “In the back... Behind my books on the top shelf.” I float out her books and lean in to look. Sure enough, there is a tiny framed picture of Big Mac with a heart drawn around his face in the back.
I nod my head and step back, floating her books back. “All the proof I need. Now,” I shut the door and point to the artwork on the front, “You said you painted these?”
“Y-Yes. Did I not get something right? I used the actual covers for reference, and I swear I captured everything—”
“You got anything else you've painted?”
She blinks. “Huh?”
“Do you have anything else you've painted? Or any sketches? Something that I can see right now?”
“Yeah... I got a couple right here.” She reaches into her locker and pulls out a notebook. She flips to a page before holding it out to me.
I take it from her and scan the page. Most of them are sketches, though there's one that is fully colored in. It's of a tree and lone figure reaching towards the sky silhouetted by a setting sun as the night sky with a scattering of stars starts to fade in. It's... Amazing she managed to create something so small yet detailed. “And painting is your primary medium?”
“I... I prefer painting. But that doesn't mean I can't use other mediums!”
I close the notepad and hand it back to her. “Bring this with you tonight, and come backstage after the show.” She has this glazed look in her eyes, but she still grabs the notepad and clutches it to her chest. I gently pat her shoulder before walking away towards Trixie's office.
But I don't get far before a group stops me. I just smirk and pull out the marker. “So, who's first?”